FanDuel Adjusts SuperBowl Ad After Carl Weathers’ Passing
The sports gambling platform FanDuel has announced that they will be adjusting their SuperBowl ad following the passing of iconic actor Carl Weathers. The ad, which was released in January and starred former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski, featured a cameo from Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, FanDuel expressed their deep sadness upon learning of Weathers’ passing. They acknowledged his status as an iconic talent who had a profound impact on those he worked with both on and off the screen. FanDuel considered themselves fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Weathers during their Super Bowl campaign and expressed their intention to adjust the campaign out of respect for his family during their time of grief.
The ad itself showcased Gronkowski walking through the desert on his way to Las Vegas, seeking redemption after missing the “FanDuel kick of destiny” the previous year. Towards the end of the sneak peek, Weathers appeared, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar, assuring Gronkowski that he wouldn’t miss this time. Together, they drove off into the desert, leaving fans excited for what was to come.
Weathers passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, as announced by his manager, Matt Luber. Luber described Weathers as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. He highlighted Weathers’ contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, stating that he had left an indelible mark and was recognized worldwide and across generations. Weathers was not only a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend but also a talented actor who had made appearances in various projects such as Predator, Happy Gilmore, and The Mandalorian.
The news of Weathers’ passing has left fans and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a true legend. His portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky films solidified his place in cinematic history, and his talent and charisma will be sorely missed. As FanDuel adjusts their SuperBowl ad to honor Weathers’ memory, it serves as a reminder of the impact he had on both the sports and entertainment worlds.
The SuperBowl ad, which was eagerly anticipated by fans, will now be a bittersweet reminder of Weathers’ talent and the legacy he leaves behind. As the world mourns the loss of Carl Weathers, his contributions to film, television, and sports will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.